Blog
What’s on our mind? You can read about it in our blog. Whether it’s ideas from the industry or emerging trends, you can read about it here. And once in a while, we may throw in a movie review or some other surprise. So, keep checking in. We’re glad to have you reading along.
Please feel free to contact us if you would like to have us write something on a topic important to you.
Fed Skips September Rate Hike But May Not Be Done Yet
As some anticipated, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at its September policy meeting. The Fed had raised its benchmark federal funds rate at their July 2023 meeting to a range between 5.25% and 5.5%, a 22-year high. Fed Chair
Read MoreTop 10 Questions High Net Worth Individuals Ask About Social Security
Social Security, the program you may have spent a lifetime paying into, is designed to offer stability, supplemental income, and other valuable benefits that can play a role in your overall financial strategy after you retire. We've...
Read MoreUnderstanding the September Effect: What It Is and Why It Happens
If you ask the average investor which month is the most volatile for the stock market, they will probably say October. It's a reasonable answer, but it's incorrect. Despite October's reputation for market-defining events like the...
Read MoreDon't Get Hooked: A Guide to Recognizing and Avoiding Phishing
As financial professionals, we understand how vital it is to safeguard your personal and financial information. Unfortunately, in our increasingly digital world, cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, have become a prevalent...
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Retirees Confess What They Wish They’d Done With Their Money
Retirement is the culmination of decades of financial decisions, and the unfortunate truth is that some of those decisions aren’t always good. This is exceedingly common, in fact. At present, millions of Americans are making...
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A Note on the Yield Curve
Recently, you may have seen some headlines talking about an “inverted yield curve” and what it may mean for the economy. An inverted yield curve is just one indicator of the economy’s possible direction, so...
Read MoreMoney Tips for Parents Sending Children Off to College
You’ve done a great job teaching your children vital life lessons and instilling values that will last a lifetime. As summer ends and a new school year begins, one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked, especially for...
Read MoreAttention Parents and Grandparents of College-Bound Students: FAFSA Gets an Overhaul
Changes are coming to the complicated form that students must submit to qualify for college financial aid, known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The Department of Education is calling it the “most...
Read MoreThe 6 Biggest Mistakes DIY Investors Make and How to Avoid Them
IntroductionOver the last several months, I have met with quite a few self-proclaimed do-it-yourself (DIY) investors who, after struggling with the markets in 2022, approached me asking for a second opinion. Interestingly, almost every...
Read MoreHow the SECURE 2.0 Act Changed 529 Plans
Changes to 529 plans in the SECURE 2.0 ActThe SECURE Act was initially passed by Congress at the end of 2019 and was intended to improve retirement savings opportunities. It was a big deal at the time and the most significant piece of...
Read MoreTop 7 Most Common Estate Strategy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Getting your affairs in order and outlining what you want done with your estate after you’re gone is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. However, not preparing for the transfer of your assets can lead to...
Read MoreNavigating the Costs of Senior Care: Tips for Preparing for Long-Term Care
Senior care costs can be overwhelming, particularly when long-term care is required due to illness or medical conditions. With the number of seniors in the U.S. expected to rise exponentially by 2030, it's crucial to be prepared for...
Read MoreLiving Trusts: Understanding the Basics and Key Considerations
Estate management can be a complex and daunting task for many people, but it’s a critical step in helping your assets get managed and distributed according to your wishes.One popular tool that can be used in estate strategies is...
Read MoreThoughts on the Debt Ceiling
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please find the Market Analysis from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist attached below. This update provides an overview of...
Read MoreTrying to Time a Recession?
Economies move in cycles – always have, always willThe Federal Reserve has been steadily increasing interest rates in an attempt to slow the rate of inflation. Its efforts are yielding some results, although inflation remains...
Read MoreWhat Factors Have the Greatest Impact on Your Credit Score?
Fun fact: You probably have dozens of credit scores out there, and each one might be a different number.You’re probably familiar with a credit score, why it’s essential, and what it’s used for, but do you know how...
Read MoreImportant Financial Considerations to Make When Remarrying Later in Life
Discussing personal finances is important for any couple preparing for marriage. However, this topic can be more complicated for those who remarry later in life.If you’re remarrying later in life, one of your goals should be to...
Read MoreTop Considerations to Help Adult Children Be Better Prepared As You Age
As we get older, it’s important that our adult children are prepared to manage any aging-related situations that may arise. This includes everything from having to make medical and financial decisions to determining assisted...
Read MoreMind Over Markets – A Behavioral Guide to Investing
When market volatility is headline news and account values start to fall, it’s easy to understand why investors get jittery. Even with a boatload of historical data to support us, in times of stress we all struggle to overcome...
Read MoreTips for Raising Financially Literate Children
Every parent wants the best for their children and strives to prepare them to lead a happy, healthy, and successful life. But, despite understanding the importance of financial responsibility, only 28 percent of parents speak to their...
Read MoreTransitioning to Medicare from Private Health Insurance Plans
Transitioning from Private Health Insurance Plans to MedicareAs you approach retirement age, you may be anticipating transitioning from your private insurance to Medicare, which is a federal health insurance program that provides...
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Going on a Safari?
If you were planning the vacation of a lifetime, say an African Safari, would you just buy a plane ticket and hope for the best? No, you would not. Why? Because such a once in a lifetime experience requires planning. It requires...
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2/17 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
Rate Concerns Weigh on StocksStocks opened last week higher on investor hopes that a continued cooling in inflation might support a more dovish Fed. A higher-than-expected rise in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and strong retail sales...
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Weekly Market Insights: Mixed Results As Interest Rate Concerns Grow
Growing concerns about further interest rate hikes, prompted by fresh economic data, reversed early-week gains and left stocks mixed for the week.The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 0.13%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500...
Read MoreWhere to Put Excess Cash
According to the Investment Company Institute, near the end of 2022, there was more than $4.7 trillion in cash sitting in U.S. money market funds.1,2While cash can play a role in a diversified portfolio, historically, cash has not kept...
Read MoreTechnology Guide for Seniors
By 2040, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 80 million people in the U.S. will be age 65 or older.1 Most of these senior adults will either want to—or need to—"age in place," living in their homes securely, independently...
Read MoreInvesting in a Rising Interest Rate Environment
With interest rates on the rise, it is important to consider the impact on your investment portfolio and make any necessary adjustments. Here are three key points to keep in mind:Consider bonds with shorter durations: As interest rates...
Read MoreSECURE Act 2.0: What You Need to Know
Here is an update on some significant changes designed to help Americans save more for retirement. You may have heard of the SECURE Act 2.0, which Congress passed as part of a larger federal spending bill last week.1 This legislation...
Read MoreThe Energy Conundrum: An Informative White Paper
The energy topic has been central to many conversations during ongoing market volatility this year, and for a good reason. Oil and natural gas prices have fluctuated widely in recent years. Additionally, nearly every aspect of the...
Read MoreA Note on Inflation
As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic over the past year, you may have noticed the term ‘inflation’ coming up in the news. But don’t let it scare you! The fact is, some inflation is good...
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10/18 Market View Weekly: By the Numbers
Breathtaking VolatilityAn above-consensus consumer inflation number sent stocks tumbling in early Thursday trading before inexplicably surging higher in a stunning reversal that saw the Dow Jones Industrial Average rally 1,500 points...
Read More9/14 Phil Blancato Special Edition Video
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news. This special edition video from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist, discusses Monday’s (9/13/22) update on inflation from...
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A Note on the Yield Curve
Recently, you may have seen some headlines talking about an “inverted yield curve” and what it may mean for the economy. An inverted yield curve is just one indicator of the economy’s possible direction, so...
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August Markets React to Fed’s Hardline Stance
Now that September is here, it feels like summer is already in the rearview mirror. It went fast, didn’t it? Beginning with the autumnal equinox on the 22nd of the month, we’ll start to see the days grow shorter and the...
Read MoreMind Over Markets – A Behavioral Guide to Investing
When market volatility is headline news and account values start to fall, it’s easy to understand why investors get jittery. Even with a boatload of historical data to support us, in times of stress we all struggle to overcome...
Read More8/1 Phil Blancato Market Update Call
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please listen to the most recent market update from Phil Blancato, Advisor Group’s Chief Market Strategist. This call discusses recent updates for the...
Read More3 Tips for the Second Half of 2022
With half the year behind us, now is a great time to consider what the remainder of 2022 may hold. However, with inflation and economic uncertainty causing many of us to delay or cancel vacations, large purchases, and more, it can be...
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Fed Keeps Pushing Rates Higher
Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its May meeting.Throughout April, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and several Fed Governors talked about the need to keep raising short-term rates to...
Read MoreDon’t Let Unexpected Expenses Derail Your Retirement
While it’s natural to look ahead to a leisurely retirement, it’s prudent to prepare for expenses that catch many retirees by surprise. In a recent survey, nearly one-third of retirees reported they faced at least four...
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Fed Keeps Pushing Rates Higher
Few investors should have been surprised when the Federal Reserve raised interest rates after its May meeting.Throughout April, Fed Chair Jerome Powell and several Fed Governors talked about the need to keep raising short-term rates to...
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Weekly Market Insights: Economy Slows; Stocks Retreat
On Friday, a sharp sell-off sent major stock market indices into negative territory for the week, capping a volatile close to April. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 2.47%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 tumbled 3.27%....
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Estate Taxes May Be Amended Soon
To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...
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Estate Taxes May Be Amended Soon
To help raise revenue to pay for President Biden’s Build Back Better Plan, Congress is considering a number of tax law changes, including adjusting estate taxes.One of the proposals would reduce the estate tax exemption to...
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COLA Increase Announced for Social Security
On October 13, 2021, the Social Security Administration (SSA) officially announced that Social Security recipients will receive a 5.9 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2022, the largest increase in four decades. This...
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Chinese Stocks Under Pressure
With overseas investments, we remind people that, “international markets carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risk, foreign taxes and regulations...
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The Quiet Fall in Bond Yields
With all the attention given to inflation, stock prices, and job reports, it’s been easy to overlook the remarkable move in the bond market during the past few months.The yield on the 10-year treasury closed at 1.37% on Friday,...
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Weekly Market Insights: Markets Overcome Delta Variant Reports
Overcoming a COVID-related economic growth scare, stocks moved higher amid a week of strong corporate earnings reports.The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 1.08%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 gained 1.96%. The Nasdaq...
Read MoreA Note About Inflation
As the economy continues to recover from the effects of the pandemic over the past year, you may have noticed the term ‘inflation’ coming up in the news. But don’t let it scare you! The fact is, some inflation is...
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Baseball’s 300 Million Dollar Players
The San Diego Padres signed infielder Fernando Tatis, Jr., to a 14-year, $340 million contract roughly one year after the Los Angeles Dodgers inked outfielder Mookie Betts to a 12-year, $365 million deal. That brings the total to 8...
Read MoreIs Your Retirement Account as Large as it Could Be?
When you change jobs, it’s critical to remember to create a plan for past employee sponsored retirement accounts. While you have the choice to simply leave it, you also have the option to consolidate past plans which brings all...
Read MoreWhere should you put your money? It depends.
Clients and friends ask all the time where they should put their money. That’s a great question, and it would be even better if there were a one-size-fits-all answer. Unfortunately, though, market performance is fickle. The same...
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Life Events that Impact your Financial Plan in a Big Way!
When you have a major life event such as getting married, having a child, or buying a home, your financial situation and priorities may change. As your life changes, your financial decisions must stay in line with your goals, values,...
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Should you offer a retirement plan?
As an entrepreneur, you may have spent years learning your craft, developing your abilities and growing your business. In fact, it’s probably fair to say that by now, you’re an expert! But unless your business specializes in business...
Read MoreHaven’t Filed Your Taxes Yet? Don’t Worry!
Preparing your taxes can be a real drag. It can feel like tax day looms over your spring! Well, fear not: the IRS has given you another month to file your taxes! The Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service has announced that...
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5 Ways to Stay Confident in Retirement
Contact us for copy he of the 5 Ways to Stay Confident in Retirement
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Being Cheap May Be the Most Expensive Mistake You Ever Make!
We all love a good deal. We all love free stuff. But remember the adage: "You get what you pay for!" Reach us here: Contact Page
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Weekly Market Insights: Rising Bond Yields Diminish Stocks
Stocks dropped amid rising long-term bond yields, with sharp declines in high-valuation growth stocks leading the overall market lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 1.78%, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 declined 2...
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Newly Announced IRS Retirement Plan Limits for 2021
Each fall the Treasury Department announces inflation adjustments to tax-advantaged retirement accounts and income limits for the following tax year. They recently announced contribution limits and changes for the 2021 tax year. For...
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Where should you put your money? It depends.
Clients and friends ask all the time where they should put their money. That’s a great question, and it would be even better if there were a one-size-fits-all answer. Unfortunately, though, market performance is fickle. The same...
Read MoreDo Not Make This COMMON Retirement Mistake!
Do Not Make This COMMON Retirement Mistake! Going for growth is important BUT IT IS NOT THE ONLY thing you should do!
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GameStop: Modern Day David vs. Goliath
Chances are you’ve caught wind of recent market news involving Wall Street traders, GameStop, Reddit & Robinhood. Clients have reached out to us wondering if any of the related market volatility could impact their portfolios....
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February Market Matters
Though the U.S. still leads the global tally with over 25% of all confirmed COVID -19 cases, new daily case numbers are down as vaccinations ramp up to nearly one million doses being delivered per day. With a narrowly approved budget...
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Handling Market Volatility with Confidence
Investing in 2019 was fairly easy. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P) returned nearly 28% for the year with only a few bumps along the way. Today, however, we're faced with a very different market. More and more uncertainties...
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2021 Off to a Fast Start
The first week of 2021 has already had many ups and downs. Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean that the 2020 issues go away, and so far, 2021 has been no exception to this rule. The markets opened on January 4 and...
Read MorePhil Blancato Market Update Call
We strive to keep you regularly updated with important market changes and news.Please listen to the most recent market update from Phil Blancato, President and CEO of Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, a well-known name in the...
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2021 Tips for Cyber Security
As we’ve seen, data breaches, such as the Russian-based SolarWinds attack that was announced late last year, can have major impact on online security. In light of these recent data breaches, we wanted to send along some tips to...
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